Biopreservation Techniques for Fresh Produce: Harnessing Microbial and Natural Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables is undergoing a paradigm shift as consumer demands and regulatory frameworks increasingly favor natural, sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemical preservatives. This transition has intensified scientific interest in biopreservation strategies, particularly those leveraging beneficial microorganisms and naturally derived antimicrobial compounds. These approaches offer promising potential to extend shelf life, reduce postharvest losses, and enhance food safety—yet critical knowledge gaps remain regarding their efficacy, mechanisms of action, and practical application at commercial scales.

This Research Topic aims to advance the scientific understanding and technological development of microbial- and natural-based preservation techniques for fresh produce. We invite original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that explore how beneficial microbes and plant-derived antimicrobials can be utilized to suppress spoilage organisms and foodborne pathogens, while maintaining the sensory and nutritional quality of fresh produce. Contributions that also address consumer acceptance and regulatory challenges will be particularly valuable in shaping the path toward mainstream adoption of biopreservation technologies.

We welcome submissions that include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Isolation and functional characterization of beneficial microorganisms for biopreservation.
• Identification and application of plant-derived or microbial-derived natural antimicrobials.
• Synergistic effects between microbial biocontrol agents and natural compounds in extending freshness.
• Impact of biopreservation strategies on the physicochemical, microbiological, and nutritional quality of produce under various storage conditions.
• Consumer perception, labeling considerations, and regulatory hurdles in implementing biopreservation in the fresh produce sector.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Bio-preservation, Fresh produce, Beneficial microbes, Plant-derived antimicrobials, Food safety, Food quality, Post-harvest storage

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.